A special exhibition exploring the ancient Maritime Silk Road and the exchange of cultures along its routes is now on display at the Shanghai University Museum, bringing together 130 artifacts that trace the history of maritime trade between China and the wider world.

The exhibition is co-organized by Shanghai University and several cultural institutions in Guangdong province. The Guangdong Provincial Institute of Cultural Heritage and Archaeology has contributed significant underwater archaeological finds from two famous shipwrecks, Nanhai No 1 and Nan'ao No 1.

Among these findings, ceramics from the Jingdezhen, Dehua, Longquan, and Cizao kilns point to the prosperity of trade along the Maritime Silk Road.

The Guangzhou Municipal Institute of Cultural Heritage and Archaeology is presenting its latest findings from the 2025 excavation at the Chashu Lane site in Guangzhou. Fragments of Tang Dynasty (618-907) glass are being shown to the public for the first time, along with Persian blue-glazed pottery pieces, offering a glimpse into the historical trading communities that once lived in the city. A shell carving from the Haizhu Fort, dating to the mid-to-late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), depicts scenes of Guangzhou and was once sold overseas as a souvenir on merchant ships.

The exhibition also features a Shanghai-style qipao from the Shanghai University Museum's collection. The garment combines the elegance of Guangdong style, the grace of Jiangnan region, and the clean lines of Western fashion, showcasing the dynamic cultural exchanges shaped by maritime connections.

Other exhibits include Guangcai porcelain, enamelware and lacquerware, as well as a collection of wine-making and drinking vessels that highlight the significance of wine culture in maritime trade.

If you go

When: Through July 31

Where: 1F, Shanghai University Museum (main campus), No 99 Shangda Road, Baoshan district

Admission: Free. Off-campus visitors can enter with a valid ID.

Source: Baoshan district government